In our school community, we are partners in the endeavor to be lifelong students of Jewish history, ritual, and text, to encounter holiness, and to be passionate advocates for social justice and tikkun olam.
Our Model
“Find a teacher, make a friend, and treat everyone with respect.”
~ Pirkei Avot (Sayings of Our Ancestors) 1:6
Limmud (Curriculum)
Our curriculum offers students a comprehensive exploration of our Jewish heritage. Through the study of Jewish holidays and rituals, Hebrew language and liturgy, Jewish blessings and values, we create a connection to customs, practices and beliefs that constitute a Jewish life.
We examine our people’s sacred writings, exploring Torah narratives and teachings, the Prophets’ call for justice, and stories reaching from ancient days to contemporary times. Delving into these texts helps our students connect to their people’s past by discovering resonance and parallels in their own lives. We utilize a variety of approaches, including role-play, to help our children understand the challenges faced by biblical ancestors and the importance of striving to make good choices.
We delve into the rich history and adventures of the Jewish people, instilling a sense of identity, pride and inspiration through stories of courage, creativity, and leadership. At the same time, we lift up tikkun olam (repairing the world), emphasizing our role as partners with God in making a positive impact on the world both within and beyond our Jewish community.
Our curriculum highlights seminal events of the 20th century that shape contemporary Jewish identity and experience, including the Holocaust and the foundation of the state of Israel. We approach Israel as a homeland and a modern state, and teach about its diverse population, its promise and its challenges.
Tefilah (Prayer)
Tefilah is an integral part of the Religious School curriculum. Each Religious School session for grades 3 through 7 includes Tefilah. Students in kindergarten through second grade begin to learn the prayers through their music curriculum, and grades 3 through 7 participate in Tefilah almost every week. Among our goals is for students to know Reform liturgy, feel comfortable praying in a variety of Jewish communal settings, and understand the meaning of traditional prayers. We also want them to connect with each other and with their own sense of spirituality through communal singing and worship.
Once a month we gather together for a schoolwide Tefilah session, led by Temple Emanu-El’s clergy. They are filled with ruach (spirit) and focus on both keva (the fixed text) and kavanah (the intention we bring to the written prayers). Parents, family members and guests are always welcome to join us.
Ivrit (Hebrew)
We teach Hebrew through weekly, personalized, 30-minute, Zoom sessions at times that work well for each family. This approach ensures that every child receives the attention and guidance they need to excel. It also allows us to focus our time in Religious School on creating community, immersing in Jewish culture, and instilling Jewish values. We also integrate Hebrew vocabulary into classroom learning, practice it as a community in Tefila (prayer), and weave it throughout our school experience.
Tribes
Our added dose of community building and joy: Tribes! Students in 3rd through 5th grade are divided into three Tribes based on interests and characteristics shared with each Tribe’s biblical namesake: Sarah, Noah, Ruth, and more! Each of The Tribes curriculum is on a three-year rotation; each year is based on a quote from Pirkei Avot, a book of 2,000-year-old Jewish wisdom. Tribes includes Tribal Chiefs and Juniors (teen leaders) and Tribal Elders (Religious School teachers). Empowering our teens as Tribal Leaders of tradition not only sets them as role models for their students and also serves as a deeper connection to their Jewish identity. The best part? Tribes are happening on both Sundays and Mondays!
Chugim (Electives)
Throughout the year we offer chugim (electives). Chugim play a vital role in our new educational model, providing our children with valuable opportunities to exercise autonomy in their Jewish journey, as they select activities that align with their interests and preferred learning styles. This approach ensures that our students are actively engaged, and helps them integrate their Jewish identity within their full sense of self.
Havdalah (Distinction)
Havdalah is the brief and beautiful ceremony that helps us move from Shabbat into the beginning of the week. We will be using this ceremony at the beginning of each Religious School session to help students transition from the workday world into a sacred time and space of Jewish religion, history and culture. We welcome parents to participate in Havdalah with us, not only to take part in this centering, community ceremony, but also to grow comfortable with this ritual which families can incorporate into their home Jewish practice.
Tzedakah
The mitzvah of righteous giving is an integral part of our Religious School program. Our goal is for students to see themselves both as advocates for organizations whose work they value and as young philanthropists. Tzedakah is collected weekly during school. Recipient organizations are chosen by our A-TEEMers (our Teen Madrichim leaders). For more information about our tzedakah programs, read “The Case for Tzedakah in Jewish Education.”
Seventh Grade
Our 7th grade learner-centered curriculum dives deep into Mussar (values based learning) by zooming in on our students! Taking into account our whole student’s selves, we use different modalities to teach values across the spectrum (from love to honor, and confidence to wisdom). Following our Mussar class, we explore life through a Jewish lens with chugim! These electives range from Jewish Shabbat dinners to Jewish influencers our students are learning from. These chugs rotate on a monthly basis to keep things engaging and joyful.
Eighth Grade Fellows: What Path Will You Follow?
A-TEEM, which stands for Amazing Temple Emanu-El Madrichim, is our Religious School’s dynamic student leadership program, and is open to 8th graders for the first time! As Eighth Grade Fellows, students will begin training as A-TEEMers, working with older teens, teachers and staff. They will explore different pathways through teaching, Tribes, theater and Emanu-El Rockers before they have the opportunity to choose where to specialize.
This program is a great way for teens to step into leadership roles, interact with younger students, and make a meaningful impact on our school community.
In addition to hands-on leadership, Eighth Grade Fellows will engage in learning experiences that deepen their Jewish identity, both in and out of the classroom. Fellows will develop valuable skills, explore their interests and earn community service credit, all while forming lasting connections with peers, clergy, staff and the greater temple community.
B'nei MItzvah
We are excited to guide you into deeper engagement with the Jewish tradition, people, and faith as your child studies to become Bar, Bat, or B’nei Mitzvah. In preparation for your family’s ceremony, we have designed a process to make this rite of passage even more meaningful for our students and families. Along this path you will have opportunities for one-to-one meetings with our clergy, and joint learning sessions with other B’nei Mitzvah families. Learn more.
